2nd LEG OF THE NAME YOUR PRICE CLAIMING SERIES CONTESTED AT THE MIGHTY M

Tue, 02/12/2013 - 3:31pm -- swiles

Thus far Monticello Raceway’s Name Your Price Claiming Series hasn’t lived up to its unique possibility, that being the initially entered $4000 claimers all raced for that same claiming tag in round two. All had the option of adding another $1000 to the horses claiming price, permitted in the second round by the series rules, but no one took advantage of that possibility in the three preliminary series legs contested on the foggy afternoon of February 11 at the Mighty M.

Of the three winners in the first round only one, Tracy’s Song, was victorious in round two despite having to start on the far outside from post seven. First round winner Pot Limit finished fourth in her division on February 11 and first round winner Romi Mystic also was fourth in her split in round two.

Thus far Tracy’s Song is the early favorite in the series finale to be raced on Monday February 25th after the third preliminaries are contested on February 18. Still Tracy’s Song makes a good argument for her being the mare to beat in the series since the 8-year-old daughter of Astreos has now strung together four consecutive victories.

Owned by Nancy Fugere of Westbrookville, NY Tracys Song ($4.70)she was driven to a 1:59 victory for trainer Bob Lounsbury who entrusted the driving services to Bruce Aldrich, Jr.

In that contest Aldrich gunned the mare to the front making the top by the quarter pole and then got first call at every stanza en route to a one length triumph over Fortunes Smile, driven by Kyle DiBenedetto. In spite of the muddy track Tracy’s Song’s 1:59 victory is currently her seasons best.

Last week the Danny Gill-trained Romi Mystic was victorious and Gill showed up again when his pupil, Nutmegs Desire ($5.30), held on for a head triumph for Jimmy Marohn, Jr holding off Sixth Sense and driver Mike Forte. Irving Bork, of Ellington, Ct. owns the 5 year old Real Desire mare who scored her first seasonal victory.

After finishing second last week in the series Winsmith Molly ($7.70) and driver Jimmy Taggart, Jr. made every pole a winning one as the 6 year old Badlands Hanover mare scored a one length triumph over Pembroke Boogie (Alan Schwartz) in a 1:58.4 clocking. Trained by Gary Messenger the mare is owned by Dr. Scott Woogen, Brenda Messenger and Phil Shapiro.

The final preliminary leg will be presented on Monday afternoon, February 18.